Blakemore Retail aims to add at least 75 new stores to its estate to take it beyond the 400 mark by the end of 2014, managing director Geoff Hallam has said.

The company, which was formed following the merger of Spar wholesalers AF Blakemore’s and Capper & Co’s company-owned stores divisions last year, is focused on growth for the next three years. It has revealed that 11 new stores in Wales and central England are already in the pipeline and are set for opening during 2012.

Blakemore Retail managing director Geoff Hallam said: “We are very excited about the future. We plan to own 400 stores by the end of 2014, which will mean adding 75-100 stores to our estate, and result in a significant increase in our turnover.”

Joining Hallam on the board of the new company are deputy managing director Stuart Adkin, trading director Mike Boardman, store operations director Chris Bacon and finance director Derek Clifton.

AF Blakemore managing director Peter Blakemore added: “The company’s operation and structure is very much a reflection of each retailer’s values and strengths, to ensure that Blakemore Retail is not only a bigger company, but a better company.”